Reviews
Delicious Caraway Cheese Soft Pretzels Recipe
The holidays are here, and we're been enjoying all the seasonal eats and treats. To mix things up, we recently opened our Oktoberfest flavor kit from RawSpiceBar. Inside were 3 packages of spices to make your own German inspired dinner for the family. Of course, we cooked it all ...read more
How to Throw an Art Party: Cupcakes and Canvases
My little guy is starting to get to the age that we've been having more playdates and planning more activities to do with friends. He's starting to become more artistic and loves to color and paint with his sister. I recently invited over some of my friends and their kiddos for a ...read more
Indoor Camping Party
There is something about camping that is just so much fun. Kids love it! We enjoy our family camping trips. Sleeping in tents under the stars, laughing by the campfire, catching fireflies, and eating s'mores late into the night. Not to mention being unplugged and spending good ...read more
Raw Spice Bar: Globally Inspired Spices and Recipes Delivered Monthly
Trying to spice up your nightly dinner menu? I've been getting spices and recipes delivered monthly to me through an awesome subscription box company called Raw Spice Bar. It's so easy to get in the habit of making the same go-to recipes over and over. I'll be honest, my menu ...read more
Let Kids Design Their Own Clothes
Kids are often full of imagination and brimming over with creativity! My daughter is always drawing and painting pictures in her sketchbook. Recently, she has gotten inspired to design outfits and had even taken to creating shirts out of paper taped together. When I stumbled upon ...read more
Brightly - Gifts for Little Readers
We've been reading to both our little ones since before they were even born. We read to them in the womb and we still read to them: board books, picture books, and, now, chapter books. We make the silly voices, we read them the same book a thousand times, and we read to them ...read more
Back-To-School Nighttime Routine with FREE Printable
Summer is over and we're gearing up for the back-to-school season. We've bought the book bags, shopped for a new wardrobe, and stocked up on the long list of school supplies. One fun addition is this FREE printable for a Back-To-School nighttime routine. Why You Need a Routine ...read more
Saturday Sips: The Best Chocolate Beer
While I like beer, I don't usually drink it. I'm more of a wine or cocktail kind of gal. But, recently, I've been on a beer kick and trying new beer. It happened when I discovered the delicious concoction that is chocolate beer. Yes, it's a thing and it's just as yummy as it ...read more
Vtech Kidizoom Camera Pix + Kid Photo Hunt Printable
As a photographer, my kids see me take a lot of photos - for work and fun. I like to capture the little moments, especially when we're doing fun things together as a family. Summer brings lots of awesome things: vacations, day trips and activities. I got my little photographer ...read more
Tom's of Maine Natural Deodorant #WhyISwitched #DeoSwitch
Over the course of parenthood, my husband and I have become more conscious of what goes in our bodies and on our skin. As a family we've become more aware of all the overly processed products we use on a daily basis and, for the sake of our health and our children's health, have ...read more
How to Style Pom Pom Shorts
To say it's hot here in Arizona is a slight understatement. This past weekend it was 112 degrees here in Tucson and 120 in Pheonix. It's definitely shorts season around these parts! And it's not even "officially" summer yet! I usually stick to my normal jeans/jean capris/jean ...read more
How to Pack the Perfect Picnic
All of this gorgeous sunshine and blue skies have us getting outside as much as we can. It's the perfect time for a picnic, and with summer quickly approaching, I know I'll be heading to the park for lazy days outdoors as much as I can. Whether you plan a picnic in the park ...read more
Lunch Bundles: A Healthy On-the-Go Choice
Life as a mom can be a balancing act. Between school, work and after school activities we take on a lot. Some days I barely have time to pull together the same old peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch. I know my kids need healthier options, and I need something to make my ...read more
Mother's Day Gifts: Best in Beauty
As a mother I may not have much "me time". Usually I throw my hair up in a ponytail, slap on some makeup and I'm out the door to school and 50 million other "mom" errands. When I do take some time to pamper myself, I try to find products that 1. don't take much time and 2. make ...read more
A Beginner's Guide to a Smart Home by #IrisByLowes
Setting up a smart home can sound a little scary. But, trust me, if I can do it (technologically challenged over here), anyone can. I've put together a Beginner's Guide to a Smart Home with #IrisbyLowe’s products. I'm sharing which products I recommend for the smart-home ...read more
Saturday Sips: Wine Awesomeness
It's safe to say that I love drinking wine. While I have my favorite go-tos, I also like to branch out and find new favorites. I don't have the time to study and curate wines for myself though, and that's why I like wine subscription services. Wine Awesomeness is more than a ...read more
Mini Style: PUMA Debuts New Sesame Street Collection
Since 1969 Sesame Street has been teaching kids their ABC's and 123's. The quirky and lovable Sesame Street characters and monsters quickly became a beloved part of many childhoods and are now iconic and synonymous with learning and fun. For Spring 2016, PUMA has partnered ...read more
Kids in the Kitchen: Little Partners Learning Tower
Kids are naturally curious so why not engage their curiosity and encourage them to be involved in the kitchen. We know that putting a meal on the table for a family can be challenging and the last thing you want to do is take the time to have your kids help out in the kitchen. ...read more
Explore the World With Kitchen Table Passport
We love taking our children to different places and having them experience cultures from around the world. While we were living overseas it was easier to travel to foreign places, but now that we're back in the USA, it's harder to expose our kids to new and exciting cultures. ...read more
FancyAuctions.com—and a Kindle Giveaway
Do you have luxury taste in jewelry but a budget that doesn't allow for the finer things? If you are looking for gold, sterling silver or diamond jewelry at an affordable price without sacrificing quality, you must check out all that Fancy Auctions has to offer. The luxury ...read more
Olivia the Pig Collection at Gymboree
There's nothing sweeter than my littles all curled up with their favorite stories. I love when they take to a character so much that they extend their reading into their pretend role playing activities. Olivia the Pig is a character that all three of my kiddos enjoy, especially ...read more
Amwell - Online Doctor Visits in Minutes #MomsLoveAmwell
Moms don't have time to be sick, and we hate it when our kids are too. Let's face it, going to the doctor isn't fun for anyone. What if I told you didn't have to go anywhere? You don't even need to get out of bed. Yes, about half of doctors visits can be done online with the ...read more
Toy Tuesday: The New Fisher Price Smart Toy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poWtXTCYKIQ What is Smart Toy? It's the next generation of play. And it's igniting, inspiring, and enlightening children in an imaginative, creative, and super-fun way. And that’s because it’s a high-tech Toy without a screen. That’s right—it’s ...read more
QBit Compact Stroller is Built for Life On the Go {Video}
We've used our fair share of strollers over the past 8 years so it's pretty noteworthy when we encounter one with a brand new feature. And, friends, the GB QBit compact stroller is definitely worth your attention. While the brand name is new, GB creates products for the world’s ...read more
Mini Style: Step Into Fall in Umi Boots
Umi Shoes continues to be one of our favorite brands for kids shoes. The brand never fails to deliver high-style and high-quality shoes season after season. This fall is no exception, and, in fact, the kids are ready to step feet first into cooler fall weather in the best boots ...read more
Meet Maryellen Larkin, the New American Girl
My daughter is a pretty awesome 6-year-old girl. She'd rather cartwheel than walk. She spends her days in a make-believe world where she and her friends are fairies. Her room is overflowing with dolls and their accessories. From Saige's horse to a handmade set of doll bunk beds ...read more
Mini Style: Fall Fashion With Kardashian Kids and Umi Shoes
The weather is getting cooler and we're starting to shop for hip and modern toddler styles for boys over here. I'm very picky when it comes to my kids' clothes. They need to be stylish, but functional and, of course, affordable. I'm loving these new fall fashions from Kardashian ...read more
Transform Your Home With Art.com & a $250 Giveaway
How many times have you seen a beautiful room on television, or in a magazine and thought, wow, I wish I could get my space to look like that! Having a gorgeous room in your home evokes a feeling of comfort, and peace and when it is filled with beautiful prints like the ones ...read more
Breastfeeding Finds Giveaway
To celebrate National Breastfeeding Month we have brought you a series of posts to provide all nursing mamas with some of our favorite finds to make breastfeeding easier, more comfortable and stress free. Check out our Breastfeeding video all about the essentials from a seasoned ...read more
Mini Style: First Day of School with Rack Room Shoes
Our first day of school is quickly approaching so it's time to get serious about books and supplies and everything else we need for back to school. In addition we have to stock up on school-appropriate clothes and shoes - the fun part. For shoes we are proud to partner with one ...read more
Kids in the Kitchen: Fruit Salsa Recipe and Curious Chef Review
With summer fruits in abundance, we wanted to get the kiddos involved in creating a fun and colorful fruit salsa this summer. While I love having the kids help out in the kitchen, the idea of my little ones using knives scares me a little. Okay a lot. Since my kiddos are only ...read more
French Toast: Quality School Uniforms for Less
"Style" may not be the first word that comes to mind when thinking about school uniforms, but when putting together the style spread for our Back-to-School Guide, I knew I wanted to include uniforms. School uniforms continue to grow in popularity and many public schools now ...read more
Easy Crafting Fun with the Creative Hands Craft Totes by Fibre-Craft!
My daughter loves any kind of crafty project you can come up with or find for her to get her hands on. When she was younger I was much better at finding things she could create and make, but as she's gotten older and I have another little one to keep me busy, we do our crafts ...read more
Radio Flyer Build-A-Scooter
Radio Flyer has launched its newest custom ride: Build-A-Scooter! With more than 250 options, the custom scooter now joins Build-A-Trike, Build-A-Balance Bike and Build-A-Wagon at RadioFlyer.com. Radio Flyer is one of our favorites so we were delighted to Build-A-Scooter for ...read more
Sew Cute Lalaloopsy Stretchy Hair Doll
We've become Lalaloopsy crazy over here. It started with a Lalaloopsy book I picked up and once my daughter saw how cute the Lalaloopsy characters are she's been wanting a doll. We got the Lalaloopsy Stretchy Hair Doll - Whirly Stretchy Locks and she's really been enjoying ...read more
Little Tikes: Lean To Turn Toddler Scooter {Review}
My toddler has been fascinated by his big sister's scooter since she got it for Christmas this past December. Now that it's summer and we've been spending more and more time outdoors we decided maybe it was time he got his own scooter. Little Tikes has a Lean to Turn scooter ...read more
MamaDoo Kids Smart Play Yard Mattress Topper Review & Giveaway
We have many mini trips set up for the summer. We will be traveling and staying in both hotels, rentals, as well as with friends and family. Normally this means we would be traveling with a play yard/travel crib in order to keep our toddler comfy and cozy. I am not a big fan of ...read more
Live Healthier with Microsoft Band
Earlier this year I started the Couch to 5K workout program. Again. I am a three time dropout, having falling short of the 5k run goal in the past. But this time was different. I was (and am) truly committed to getting healthier and not making excuses. I am proud to say I am now ...read more
Mommy and Me Coordinating Jamberry Nail Wraps {Review}
Jamberry Nail Wraps are the newest nail trend for manicure mavens out there. Everyone is sporting these cute and colorful nail wraps. I was beginning to feel left out! My daughter and I recently got a chance to try the Mommy and Me Jamberry Nail Wraps for ourselves. My 6 year ...read more
Bright Cellars Wine Delivery Club {Review} and Hosting a Wine Social
I'm no wine connoisseur but I do enjoy a glass of wine and I recently discovered Bright Cellars, a monthly wine delivery club. Bright Cellars isn't just any wine delivery service though, they personalize your wine experience to best suit your tastes. You start by taking their ...read more
Artifact Uprising: Off your device, into your life
Mother's Day is next week but it's not too late to create a one of a kind photo gift she (or you) will treasure forever. Artifact Uprising is "Inspired by the disappearing beauty of the tangible" and aims to get your photos "off your device and into your life." I am guilty of ...read more
Genesis Wine and Champagne Preserver {Review}
I love having a glass of wine with a good meal but I don't want to drink the whole bottle. We've all had it happen at one point or another - You open a bottle of wine, drink one glass and before you can drink the rest of the bottle, the wine goes bad in a day or 2. Nobody likes ...read more
J.Jill Spring Style Wish List
J.Jill is in full spring mode and their April collection hits all the right notes for ushering in warmer weather. The April collection celebrates a fresh season and makes it easy for women to transition their wardrobes in warmer temperatures. New silhouettes and lightweight ...read more
Green Baby, Happy Baby: Eco-Friendly Finds for Your Little Love
Earth Day has come and gone, but, here, at The Shopping Mama, we’re always trying to embrace a greener lifestyle. We want to buy things, try things, and do things that are better for the eco-system around us. We want to feel good about the future of our world and our children. ...read more
Get Kids in the Kitchen with Kidstir Monthly Cooking Box
Dining out isn't an option right now. Take out food is limited, this means more and more families are rediscovering the joy of cooking. Cooking takes practice and effort, and for parents now is a great time to start passing along this knowledge. Now is a great time to get kids in ...read more
Rock&Ride Talking Lotty Revew
I have a very busy toddler who loves to move and be outside. All. Day. Long. But we live in a place where going outside can sometimes be tricky due to the weather so I'm always on the lookout for toys that will not only entertain her but also give her the freedom to move. The ...read more
Rubens Barn Cutie Dolls
Rubens Barn offers handmade happiness to any boy or girl who owns one of these sweet dolls. Handmade in Sweden, Rubens Barn Dolls come in a variety of styles, sizes and prices. The newest members of the Rubens Barn collection are the Rubens Cuties. My 18 month old son has ...read more
Spring Must Have: Monogrammed Rain Jacket
"April showers bring May flowers." I know I am more than ready for the flowers to bloom so we can get the show on the road with nicer weather. But, in the meantime I need to be prepared for the rain showers. My new rainy day essential is the Charles River New Englander Rain ...read more
Radio Flyer Ultimate EZ Fold Wagon
Despite waking to near freezing temperatures this morning, we are totally ready to gear up for summer. The kids are already into the thick of the spring soccer season and we're making the most of warmer days by hitting the parks around base. Max still sits in a stroller on ...read more
Mini Style: Ultimate Everyday Dresses
If you're like me, when you think of Garnet Hill you don't automatically think of kids products. My first thought is of high quality, classic women's clothing. But, more and more Garnet Hill Kidsis becoming a must-visit when I'm shopping for my daughter. She is well into her ...read more